Duel · Wines · 3 addresses
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli, Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini ou Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi ?
Three wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli
Ricasoli · Over 120 €
reliability high
328,52 € 403,81 €
Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini
Melini · Under €15
reliability medium
7,55 € 9,27 €
Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi
Fattoria dei Barbi · Under €15
reliability medium
7,81 € 9,26 €
The verdict
Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi and Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli neck and neck
8,2 versus 8,1: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli if…
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,6 vs 7,8) : Three top-level distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95 and Robert Parker 94, with the producer Ricasoli named.
- you prioritise producteur & vinification (8,4 vs 8,1) : Ricasoli named and located at Castello di Brolio; steel fermentation at 24–27 °C, maceration 14–16 days, aging 22 months in 500 L casks, 30% new, plus 8 months.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: rapport qualité/prix (7,4). 6 L large format at €328.52, i.e. €41.07 for the 75 cl, crossed-out price €403.81: consistent for a Gran Selezione rated 94–96.
Choose Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini if…
- your budget matters: from €8 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (6,1). No distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
Choose Morellino di Scansano DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi if…
- you prioritise rapport qualité/prix (8,5 vs 8,1) : At €7.81, with a crossed-out price of €9.26, the bottle sits clearly below the usual price of a distinguished DOCG: a very favorable ratio.
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,2 vs 7,8) : Precise pairings (carni rosse, arrosti, aged cheeses), red fruit profile, spices and balsamic notes, served at 16-18 °C: a versatile wine.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (7,8). Several distinctions: 3 viti 2020, 3 viti AIS and James Suckling 90 (2021), without reaching the very high level of 95 points or Tre Bicchieri.
Reliability high / medium : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione from Gaiole in Chianti, 100% Sangiovese from the vigneti del Castello di Brolio: designation and zone precisely named.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniChianti DOCG Riserva appellation and Sangiovese grape variety named, Chianti area; cherry and violet notes consistent. No specific sub-zone.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Appellation DOCG named precisely, Sangiovese grape and the Scansano (Grosseto) zone in Maremma: a clear terroir anchor, coherent red fruit profile.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Three top-level distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95 and Robert Parker 94, with the producer Ricasoli named.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniNo distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Several distinctions: 3 viti 2020, 3 viti AIS and James Suckling 90 (2021), without reaching the very high level of 95 points or Tre Bicchieri.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…6 L large format at €328.52, i.e. €41.07 for the 75 cl, crossed-out price €403.81: consistent for a Gran Selezione rated 94–96.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniAt €7.55, crossed-out price €9.27, this Chianti DOCG Riserva remains well positioned for a bottle of this level.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…At €7.81, with a crossed-out price of €9.26, the bottle sits clearly below the usual price of a distinguished DOCG: a very favorable ratio.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Precise pairings (red meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta al ragù), detailed aromatic profile and service indicated at 16–18 °C.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniFood pairings cited (red meats, game, aged cheeses), profile of cherry, spices, violet, serving at 18-20 °C; fairly limited range of pairings.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Precise pairings (carni rosse, arrosti, aged cheeses), red fruit profile, spices and balsamic notes, served at 16-18 °C: a versatile wine.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Ricasoli named and located at Castello di Brolio; steel fermentation at 24–27 °C, maceration 14–16 days, aging 22 months in 500 L casks, 30% new, plus 8 months.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniProducer Melini named, traditional vinification with extended maceration and aging of at least 24 months; neither organic nor manual harvesting specified.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG –…Fattoria dei Barbi named and located in Scansano; stainless steel fermentation, skin maceration and aging of at least 1 year specified, without organic mention.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se… | Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini | Morellino di Scansano DOCG –… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 328,52 € | 7,55 € | 7,81 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 41,07 € | 7,55 € | 7,81 € |
| Estate | Ricasoli | Melini | Fattoria dei Barbi |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium | medium |
| Color | Red | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Classico | Chianti | Maremma & Montecucco |
| Price | More than 120 € | Under €15 | Under €15 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Estate | Ricasoli | Melini | Fattoria dei Barbi |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines | Wines |
| Origin | not specified | not specified | Maremma wines |
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